Pipeline transmission system

ABSTRACT

An elongated oil or gas pipe mounted on an elevated platform insulated from the ground surface. The pipe is enclosed within a full length insulated housing which contains service pipes, rails, and the like. At selected points along the system, game crossings are provided to enable a maintenance of the natural game paths and migratory patterns of the wildlife of the area.

[ 51 May 22, 1973 United States Patent [191 Stanley FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS 3,045,707 3,322,141 5/1967 Gans et al..... 3,418,39912/1968 Ziegler.............................

n e W ma no Y8 S mm m %s I mt m: r Rm m H mm n we Pm mm Longmont, Colo.80501 Jan. 25, 1971 Appl. No.: 109,512

[22] Filed:

572,942 3/1924 France.........l.......................138/1ll 4,3343/1895 .138/111 Primary Examiner-Everette A. Powell, Jr.Attorney-Clarence A. OBrien and Harvey B. Jacobson 50 7. 0 US B col 7 631 0 l 55% 01 WWW 3 W mmm4 1 mmu mmml nun] umu 000 03 u h C "r ""8 fin InC .m m UIF 1.111 21 00 555 III.

[57] ABSTRACT An elongated oil or gas pipe mounted on an elevated [56]References Cited UNITED STATES PAT ENTS 9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figuresplatform insulated from the ground surface. The pipe is enclosed withina full length insulated housing which contains service pipes, rails, andthe like. At selected points along the system, game crossings areprovided to enable a maintenance of the natural game paths and migratorypatterns of the wildlife of the area.

....I38/106 138/106 X 138/111 X ....l38/l08 ....138/l06 .,..138/106138/105 X Guimarin..

l 1/1890 Verstraete 9/1919 Gottwald.

2/1932 Hauser 10/1958 1,155,610 10/1915 Orrock..... 2,049,184 7/1936Walsleben 2,134,393 10/1938 Bennett.... 3,630,153 12/1971 PATENIEB m2 2m 73 SHEET 2 [IF 3 yw w f a L m m w R PATENIED mwzzlm SHEET 3 IF 3Robert L. .Sfan/ey QM (ma Wave; 12%

vM Vy /J M P QR PIPELINE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM The present invention isgenerally concerned with a system for the transport of fluids bypipeline, and more particularly involves a pipeline transmission systemdesigned to transport crude oil through areas wherein a maintenance ofthe natural environment is essential.

The recent opening of the Alaskan oil fields has presented the involvedoil companies with the substantial problem of transporting the crude oilacross approximately 200 miles of the Alaskan Steppes withoutinterfering with the physical features of the land and without adverselyaffecting the migratory patterns of the wildlife.

The oil must be transported at a constant temperature of approximately180 through an appropriate pipeline. However, this results in a heatingof the area adjacent the pipeline and a resultant penetrating of thepermafrost barrier. Thus, the normally frozen ground becomes a permanentbog or sea of mud with the tundra and surface vegetation in the areadisappearing. The wild life of the area will not cross the artificialbarrier which would be presented by a conventional pipeline, nor willthey cross or be able to cross the bog-like area or disturbed groundsurface thereabout. This in turn would make it difficult or impossiblefor the animals to follow their normal migratory patterns in search offood, and would result in their ultimate extinction.

Thus, to permit the transport of oil by pipeline under conditionsexperienced in the Alaskan Steppes and similar locales, it is necessarythat a pipeline system be devised which will preserve the existingnatural conditions. In other words, the system must provide for theeffective transport of the oil at the desired temperature whilepreventing any transmission of the heat to the surrounding area. Inaddition, the system must incorporate means for the servicing and repairof the pipeline, and prevention of the escape of spilled oil onto thesurrounding ground surface. Provision must also be made so as tomaintain the normal animal paths which will.

necessarily be crossed by the pipeline system.

The instant invention, in effecting such a system, provides an elongatedinsulated pipeline housed within an enlarged full length archedenclosure with the pipeline and enclosure being supported on a raisedinsulated base. Appropriate service lines, rails, conduits and the likeare provided along the length of the pipeline, as are sump holes andperiodic pumping stations incorporating sumps and sump pumps. Likewise,at points along the pipeline system where game paths or migratory pathsare crossed, opposed gradually sloping ramps extend transversely overthe pipeline and provide a natural game crossing for the free movementof the wildlife. The system itself is completely insulated from thesurrounding area whereby no transmission of heat thereto results such asmight affect the ecology of the area.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of the pipeline transmission system of theinstant invention in both section and perspective;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a portion of the system wherein thesump is located, a section of the construction being broken away forpurposes of illustration;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged crosssectional view through the pipeline andadjoining construction;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail through the lower portionof the housing, wall, taken substan-' tially on a plane passing alongline 4-4 in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail taken substantially on aplane passing along line 5-5 in FIG. 1 and illustrating the constructionat one side of the base.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 10 isused to generally designate the over-all pipeline system comprising theinstant invention. The pipeline itself is designated by referencenumeral l2 and, while not limited thereto, will normally be at least 48inches in diameter. An insulating blanket 14 of, as one example, 3-inchplastic foam such as Styrafoam will be provided about the pipeline 12.

An elongated pipe saddle 16 underlies and supports the pipe or pipeline12 along the full length thereof. This saddle 16 includes a pair ofopposed vertical side panels 18 rising from a horizontal foot panel 20and interconnected at their upper ends by a pipe receiving arcuatecradle 22. It will be noted that the pipe saddle 16 engages directlyagainst the pipe 12 for a firm positive support thereof, this saddlebeing divided into upper and lower full length chambers 24 and 26 by atransverse partition 28. The upper chamber 24 will be filled withappropriate insulating material 30 preferably thicker than the pipeblanket 14. The lower full length chamber 26 will constitute acontrolled air duct through which cooled air will be moved to assist inavoiding any downward transferring of heat from the pipeline 12.

The pipe saddle 16 is affixed centrally along a relatively wide floor ordeck panel 32 which is formed of a series of steel plates bolted orwelded to define the laterally enlarged deck along the full length ofthe system 10. This floor or deck 32 is supported on a series of spacedtransversely extending wide flange I-beams 34, being appropriatelywelded or bolted thereto as generally indicated at reference numeral 36.If deemed desirable, transverse braces or stabilizing beams 38 can .beprovided between adjacent ones of the beams 34.

The beams 34 are in turn positioned in spaced relation, approximately 4feet, above grade level 40 by means of a series of vertically elongatedsteel pilings 42 which are sunk through the tundra 44 and a substantialdistance into the underlying permafrost area 46. It is contemplated thatthe lower end. of each of the pilings 42 be of the type which, aftersinking, can be outwardly exploded so as to more firmly anchor. Inaddition, noting FIG. 2 in particular, each of the pilings 42 willpreferably incorporate a sprin'g'loaded cap 48 thereon with a limit stop50 to accommodate slight ground movements or settling.

The enlarged supporting base, that is the area defined below the flooror deck 32, has the opposed longitudinal sides thereof enclosed byvertical side plates 52, the upper edge portions of the side plates 52being appropriately welded or bolted to the floor 32 by corner angles54. Appropriate stiffeners or knee braces 56 are welded between eachtransverse beam 34, at the opposed ends thereof, and the adjoining sidepanel 52.

The base area defined between the side panels 52 and below the deck 32is filled with insulation, preferably of a high density nature so as toalso act in the manner of a floating support for the floor 32 inconjunction with the spring-loaded pilings 42. This material can consistof cork, bales of cotton, or foam plastic, such as Styrafoam introducedthrough appropriate plugged apertures 58 formed in the deck 32. Further,if deemed desirable, tightly compacted support modules 60 of, as anexample, cotton or cork can be provided in conjunction with the pillings42 for introducing an additional degree of support and stability to thebase. Incidentally, noting FIG. in particular, if a substantialunevenness exists in the terrain, it may be necessary to utilize a layerof wire mesh or expanded metal 62 thereon so as to assist in properlypositioning and retaining the insulation.

An enlarged arched roof housing or enclosure 64 is provided over thepipeline 12 along the full length thereof with the housing 64 beingapproximately 24 feet wide and presenting approximately a 9 footclearance over the top of the pipeline 12. The housing 64 includesopposed vertical side walls 66 and an arched roof 68 extendingtherebetween. Both the side walls 66 and the roof 68 are preferablydefined by inner and outer panels sandwiching insulation therebetween.Similarly, if so desired, external and/or internal layers of insulationcan also be provided. As will be appreciated from FIG. 1 in particular,it is contemplated that the roof 68 of the housing 64 utilize corrugatedpanels. With reference to FIG. 4, continuous oil seal angles 70 will beutilized in securing the side walls to the deck 32 and the correspondingroof edge in the manner whereby leakproof joints are provided.Continuous electrical conduits 72 are to be provided longitudinallythrough the arched roof 68 with these conduits 72 being selectivelyaccessible from the interior of the housing 64 for use in theconstruction and maintenance of the system.

It will be noted that the deck of steel plate 32 projects laterallybeyond both sides of the housing 64 for a substantial distance mounting,to each side of the housing 64, three laterally spaced elongated rails74. The outermost pair of rails to each side of the housing 64 will,during the construction of the system 10, be utilized to carry thegantry crane used to set up the construction material, and will alsoaccommodate narrow gauge railroad cars for the transport of materialtherealong as construction progresses. Once the construction iscompleted, these outermost pairs of rails will provide a means fortransportation along the system for inspection and maintenance purposes.

The two rails 74 immediately adjacent the housing 64, one to each sidethereof, will be used primarily during the construction of the systemfor the transport of prefabricated sections of the housing 64 to thepoint of installation.

Three rails 76 will also be provided along the deck 32 to each side ofthe pipeline 12 itself within the housing 64. The two outermost pairs ofrails 76 will be used in the same manner as the outermost pairs of rails74 for the transport of equipment, materials and personnel both duringthe construction of the system and subsequent thereto, while theinnermost rails 76, one to each side of the pipeline 12, willaccommodate equipment utilized to transport prefabricated sections ofthe pipe to the point of installation.

Also located within the housing 64 and extending longitudinallytherealong immediately adjacent the pipeline 12 are an insulated ornon-insulated air supply line 78, water supply line 80, and gas supplyline 82 for a provision of these essentials both during the constructionand maintenance of the pipeline system. It will of course be appreciatedthat appropriate valves, pumps and the like will be utilized as requiredin conjunction with these lines.

In order to accommodate any accidential leakage which might develop inthe pipeline l2, and prevent such leakage escaping from the system andcausing damage to the surrounding environment, enclosed sump holes 84are provided along the system immediately below the floor or deck 32between adjacent ones of the transverse beams 34 with appropriate accessholes 86 extending through the deck 32 and into communication with thesump holes 84. The sump holes are in turn communicated with sumps 86located at longitudinally spaced points along the length of the pipelinetransmission system 10 by means of a longitudinally ex tending suctionpipe 88 which extends through the aligned sump holes 84 and into thesump 86. An appropriate motor driven sump pump 90 is mounted on thepipeline l2 and communicated with each sump 86 by an appropriate intakeline 92, and with the pipeline itself through an appropriate dischargeline 94 for an efficient return of any leakage to the pipeline. The sump86 will preferably be the width of the housing 64 and extend between apair of adjacent beams 34. In addition, it is contemplated that the sumppumps 90 be located at low spots along the pipeline so as to facilitatea pumping of any oil leakage back into the line. An appropriate checkvalve 96 is to be provided in the pipeline 12 generally in the vicinityof each of the sump pumps 90 whereby, in case of a leak in the line, thepressure will decrease and permit pumping of the oil back into the mainline. Finally, an appropriate door 98, so constructed as to beeffectively clamped closed so as to seal the door opening, is providedat each pumping station through the side of the housing 64.

As previously indicated, the pipeline system 10 will have to intersectand extend over natural wildlife paths used particularly in followingmigratory patterns. In order to not interfere with such patterns, theinstant invention contemplates the provision of an animal crossing 100at each such point. Each of these crossings will be in the nature of anenlarged ramp or pair of opposed ramps which slopes gradually upwardfrom ground level to the opposite sides of the housing 64 so as toextend thereover and form in effect a gently sloping hill.

These crossings 100 are to be so constructed as to provide a rigidplatform over which wildlife can move without danger and in a mannerwhich will appear natural to the wildlife involved. It will of course beappreciated that the width of each of the crossings 100 shall besufficient so as to constitute a natural continuation of the path withthe material of the crossings being par ticularly selected so as toconform as much as possible to the surrounding natural environment.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a highly unique oiltransmission system has been defined. This system incorporates anelevated insulated pipeline which enables a pumping and moving of theoil, at the required elevated temperature, without danger oftransmission of the heat to the surrounding area. In addition, provisionis made, through the utilization of appropriate oil seals, which sealsincidentally are also provided between the plates which form the deck 32and the support beams 34, and sump means, for precluding any possibilityof oil leakage out of the system. The pipeline itself is mounted in anelevated position above grade on an enlarged insulating base providing,in conjunction with spring-loaded piles, a slight floating action tosimplify the accommodation of the system to ground conditions and suchvariations as may occur therein due to alternate thawing and freezing orthe like. There has thus been provided a particularly useful means foreffectively moving oil over frozen areas such as the Alaskan Steppeswithout danger of adversely affecting the surrounding areas orinterfering with the natural habitat of the wildlife.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. An above ground pipeline transmission system comprising a fluidtransmitting pipeline, a ground engaging base positioned in underlyingrelation to the pipeline along the length thereof, said base maintainingsaid pipeline elevated above ground level, and an enlarged housingpositioned over said pipeline along the length thereof and engaged withthe base to the opposite sides of said pipeline, said base extendinglaterally beyond both sides of said housing, said base being insulatedwhereby heat transmission from the pipeline to the ground is precluded,said base including an upper deck, support means underlying said deckand maintaining said deck elevated above ground level, and insulatingmaterial underlying said deck and extending from said deck to groundlevel.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said insulating material defines afloating support for said deck.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said support means includes deckmounting beams and depending ground interlocked piles.

4. The system of claim 3 including an elongated pipe saddle mounted onsaid base along the length thereof and receiving and supporting saidpipeline, said pipe saddle including upper and lower longitudinalchannels, the upper one of said channels incorporating means forinsulating the under portion of said pipeline along the length thereof,the lower of said channels defining a cool air duct for theaccommodation of forced cool air to preclude a downward transmission ofheat from the pipeline.

5. The system of claim 4 including sump means located at points alongsaid base in underlying relation to said pipeline, and associated sumppump means for a return of any sump received oil leakage to saidpipeline.

6. The system of claim 4 including supply lines extending longitudinallyalong said base within said housing and adjacent said pipeline, andservice rails positioned on said insulated base along said pipelinelaterally thereof both interiorly and exteriorly of said housmg.

7. The system of claim 6 including transversely directed housingspanning crossings positioned at longitudinally spaced points alongsaid! housing, each cross ing defining a natural continuation ofamigratory game path and comprising a gradually sloping surface extendingfrom the top of said housing to the ground level to the opposite sidesof the housing for unencumbered passage of wildlife thereover.

8. An above ground pipeline transmission system comprising a fluidtransmitting pipeline, a ground engaging base positioned in underlyingrelation to the pipeline along the length thereof, said base maintainingsaid pipeline elevated above ground level, and an enlarged housingpositioned over said pipeline along the length thereof and engaged withthe base to the opposite sides of said pipeline, said base extendinglaterally beyond both sides of said housing, an elongated pipe saddlemounted on said base along the length thereof, and receiving andsupporting said pipeline, said pipe saddle including upper and lowerlongitudinal channels, the upper one of said channels incorporatingmeans for insulating the under portion of said pipeline along the lengththereof, the lower of said channels defining a cool air duct for theaccommodation of forced cool air to preclude a downward transmission ofheat from the pipeline.

9. An above ground pipeline transmission system comprising a fluidtransmitting pipeline, a ground engaging base positioned in underlyingrelation to the pipeline along the length thereof, said base maintainingsaid pipeline elevated above ground level, and an enlarged housingpositioned over said pipeline along the length thereof and engaged withthe base to the opposite. sides of said pipeline, said base extendinglaterally beyond both sides of said housing, said base being insulatedwhereby heat transmission from the pipeline to the ground is precluded,supply lines extending longitudinally along said base within said.housing and adjacent said pipeline, and service rails positioned on saidinsulated base along said pipeline laterally thereof both interiorly andexteriorly of saidhousing.

1. An above ground pipeline transmission system comprising a fluidtransmitting pipeline, a ground engaging base positioned in underlyingrelation to the pipeline along the length thereof, said base maintainingsaid pipeline elevated above ground level, and an enlarged housingpositioned over said pipeline along the length thereof and engaged withthe base to the opposite sides of said pipeline, said base extendinglaterally beyond both sides of said housing, said base being insulatedwhereby heat transmission from the pipeline to the ground is precluded,said base including an upper deck, support means underlying said deckand maintaining said deck elevated above ground level, and insulatingmaterial underlying said deck and extending from said deck to groundlevel.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said insulating material definesa floating support for said deck.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein saidsupport means includes deck mounting beams and depending groundinterlocked piles.
 4. The system of claim 3 including an elongated pipesaddle mounted on said base along the length thereof and receiving andsupporting said pipeline, said pipe saddle including upper and lowerlongitudinal channels, the upper one of said channels incorporatingmeans for insulating the under portion of said pipeline along the lengththereof, the lower of said channels defining a cool air duct for theaccommodation of forced cool air to preclude a downward transmission ofheat from the pipeline.
 5. The system of claim 4 including sump meanslocated at points along said base in underlying relation to saidpipeline, and associated sump pump means for a return of any sumpreceived oil leakage to said pipeline.
 6. The system of claim 4including supply lines extending longitudinally along said base withinsaid housing and adjacent said pipeline, and service rails positioned onsaid insulated base along said pipeline laterally thereof bothinteriorly and exteriorly of said housing.
 7. The system of claim 6including transversely directed housing spanning crossings positioned atlongitudinally spaced points along said housing, each crossing defininga natural continuation of a migratory game path and comprising agradually sloping surface extending from the top of said housing to theground level to the opposite sides of the housing for unencumberedpassage of wildlife thereover.
 8. An above ground pipeline transmissionsystem comprising a fluid transmitting pipeline, a ground engaging basepositioned in underlying relation to the pipeline along the lengththereof, said base maintaining said pipeline elevated above groundlevel, and an enlarged housing positioned over said pipeline along thelength thereof and engaged with the base to the opposite sides of saidpipeline, said base extending laterally beyond both sides of saidhousing, an elongated pipe saddle mounted on said base along the lengththereof, and receiving and supporting said pipeline, said pipe saddleincluding upper and lower longitudinal channels, the upper one of saidchannels incorporating means for insulating the under portion of saidpipeline along the length thereof, the lower of said channels defining acool air duct for the accommodation of forced cool air to preclude adownward transmission of heat from the pipeline.
 9. An above groundpipeline transmission system comprising a fluid transmitting pipeline, aground engaging base positioned in underlying relation to the pipelinealong the length thereof, said base maintaining said pipeline elevatedabove ground level, and an enlarged housing positioned over saidpipeline along the length thereof anD engaged with the base to theopposite sides of said pipeline, said base extending laterally beyondboth sides of said housing, said base being insulated whereby heattransmission from the pipeline to the ground is precluded, supply linesextending longitudinally along said base within said housing andadjacent said pipeline, and service rails positioned on said insulatedbase along said pipeline laterally thereof both interiorly andexteriorly of said housing.